An often over-looked topic in Bible prophecy is the Old Testament Jewish sacrifices and offerings. The bottom line is this: The Jews in the nation of Israel will return to this old traditional practice of sacrifices and offerings in the future. This is a very important prophecy in the Bible that gets little attention in the pulpit, and is not often mentioned in the church. I have been a student of Bible prophecy for so many years, and not until recently the Holy Spirit brought this topic to my mind. I have really begun to study this out in the Bible. This is a future prophecy that has not been fulfilled.
The Old Testament sacrifices obviously were done away with at the new covenant (Christ’s atonement). Christ’s sacrifice dissolved the requirement for animal sacrifices. I am writing this article not to support the return of Old Testament Jewish sacrifices or to condemn the cross of Calvary but to bring attention to the future prophecy of Old Testament sacrifices that have not yet been fulfilled This very issue is a future prophecy in the Bible and it and will be fulfilled. The nation of Israel still has tons of Jews that need to be saved and have not yet surrendered to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
The nation of Israel and the Jews are God’s chosen people, but sadly a nation of lost people in need of Jesus Christ’s redemption. Over the centuries, some Jews have surrendered to Christ. These Jews are known as Messianic Jews (Christian Jews). It’s always exciting to see Jews become Christians and be a part of the Body of Christ. As of now, there is no traditional practice of Old Testament sacrifices in the nation of Israel.
But if you read Daniel 12:11 from the time that the daily sacrifice is abolished and the abomination that causes desolation is set up, there will be 1,290 days. You see in that verse that sacrifices and offerings will have returned as a traditional practice for the nation of Israel
“Then he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week; but in the middle of the week. He shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations shall be one who makes desolate, even until the consummation, which is determined,
is poured out on the desolate” (Daniel 9:27).
I believe that this could possibly make world news when it happens. The world media, and especially the American news media love to report anything and everything they consider sensational and controversial. I also believe it may even become Jewish law again in Israel when the tradition returns. Once the Church is gone, the focus in the Bible moves back to Israel for the final seven years of Daniel’s 70 weeks prophecy (Daniel 9:27).
This will be a legalistic, religious practice that does not honor Christ. As mentioned earlier, the new covenant has taken over because of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. As believers we know that there is no longer any need for Israel and the Jews to return to Old Testament offerings and sacrifices. But the sad reality is that the Bible says this is a prophecy that must be completed, like all others. This will only happen during the first three and a half years. All temple worship will cease and the Antichrist “will put an end to sacrifice.” The Antichrist will have made the tribulation temple desolate, unfit for worship.
“His forces will rise up and desecrate the temple fortress. They will abolish the daily sacrifice and set up the abomination of desolation. 32 With flattery he will corrupt those who act wickedly toward the covenant, but the people who know their God will be strong and take action” (Daniel 11:31-31, HCSB).
“So when you see the abomination of desolation spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand).” (Matthew 24:15)
“He opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God. (2 Thessalonians 2:4).
“But when you see the abomination of desolation standing where he ought not to be (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains)” (Mark 13:14).
The fact is that all Christians need to spread the gospel to the Jews worldwide and love them like Christ does.